The mother of Beniamin Pieknyi has told how her family will “never be whole again” following the 21-year-old’s murder.

In a statement issued by Irina Pieknyi following the sentencing of five men involved in Beniamin’s death, she said: “I am a mother of eight children, and they have all been amazing children.

“Since the day of March 20, 2018, I’m not feeling like a human anymore. I cannot get over the fact that only seven of my children are still around.”

Irina, who was unable to travel from Romania to attend the trial after spending her family’s savings on Beniamin’s funeral and repatriation, said: “It’s not easy bringing them up and giving them an education.

“It’s so unfair that one of them was taken away and part of my heart was taken with him. The pain I feel since that day will stay with me forever. I am asking if the ones who did this are even aware that their actions have destroyed a family?”

Vladyslav Yakymchuk Picture: Met Police

She added: “Who’s given them the right to take away my son’s life?

“Are they aware of the pain, the tears and destruction they left behind? Are they aware that our family is not the same as before and will never be whole again?

“I’m at a loss. I have no words to describe how I feel.

“What made them do this to my son? I cannot find the strength to face them and it’s breaking my heart.”

Kevin Duarte and Moses Kasule have been found guilty of manslaughter and violent disorder. Picture: Met Police

Five men were sentenced yesterday (Wednesday) at the Old Bailey.

Vladyslav Yakymchuk, 23, of no fixed abode, was sentenced to life imprisonment for murder, to serve a minimum of 24 years.

He was given three years for violent disorder and 18 months for carrying a bladed article. He pleaded guilty to all three counts on June 13.

Kevin Duarte, 19, of no fixed abode, and Moses Kasule, 20, of Cavesson House in Ribbons Walk, Stratford, were sentenced to 12 years in a young offenders’ institution for manslaughter, and 36 months for violent disorder.

Kasule and Duarte were found guilty of manslaughter and violent disorder on October 12 following a four week trial. They pleaded not guilty

A further two men, Alexis Gabriel Da Costa Varela, 19, of Lillechurch Road, Dagenham, and Mario Zvavamwe, 19, of Crow Lane, Romford, were found guilty of violent disorder on the same day.

Zvavamwe was sentenced to 30 months in a young offenders’ institution. Varela was sentenced to 40 months in a young offenders’ institution, as well as 12 months for a previous conviction of violent disorder.